2026 US Open Women’s Final: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The 2026 US Open concludes today with the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka enters the match targeting a historic third consecutive US Open title and her fifth Grand Slam championship overall. Rybakina, meanwhile, pursues her third major title and faces a formidable challenge against the tournament’s dominant force.
Head-to-Head History and Grand Slam Finals Split
The rivals have contested numerous matches on tour, with Sabalenka holding a narrow 10–7 advantage in their all-time head-to-head record. Their Grand Slam final encounters are evenly divided: Sabalenka captured the 2023 Australian Open title, while Rybakina prevailed in their 2026 Australian Open rematch.
Malika Andrews Leads ESPN’s US Open Coverage
Familiar ESPN personality Malika Andrews is among the network’s lead voices for the championship broadcast. The Emmy Award-winning sports journalist has built her reputation covering basketball, hosting flagship programs including NBA Today, NBA Countdown, and WNBA Countdown.
From Print Journalism to Broadcasting History
Andrews began her career as a print reporter for The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune before joining ESPN in 2018. She made broadcasting history in 2022 as the first woman to host the live NBA Draft telecast. Her portfolio has since expanded to include lead roles on ESPN’s tennis coverage, anchoring live broadcasts from both the US Open and Australian Open.
Personal Life and Family Background
Andrews is married to Dave McMenamin, a senior NBA reporter for ESPN who previously covered LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers before following James to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. The couple announced their engagement in late 2022, maintained a private relationship, and married on August 24, 2024, at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, California, near the Golden Gate Bridge.
The 31-year-old journalist comes from an interracial, interfaith family and identifies as Jewish. She is the daughter of Mike Andrews, a personal trainer, and grew up in Oakland, California. Her younger sister, Kendra Andrews, also covers the NBA for ESPN.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on September 12, 2026, in the Tennis section.
